Peek-a-Boo and Surprise Games Build Communication Skills

Early communication is not only about speaking, it also involves watching, waiting, and responding.

Simple games like peek-a-boo help build these skills because they naturally teach interaction.

Around 6–8 months, babies begin developing object permanence, the understanding that objects and people still exist even when they disappear.¹

This is why games like peek-a-boo are so powerful.

These playful moments follow a simple, predictable pattern:

• something disappears

• a pause builds anticipation

• then comes the reveal

That pause is key. It gives babies time to process, anticipate, and prepare to respond.

Through this back-and-forth, babies begin practicing:

• joint attention

• turn-taking

• social interaction

These are the same foundational skills used later in conversation.²

Try it during play (FREE NINEWISE DOWNLOAD):

Use the printable to bring peek-a-boo into everyday play.

Start with the “Where’s the sleeping puppy?” card. Cover the puppy with your hand or a small cloth and ask:

“Where did it go?”

Pause to build anticipation; this is where learning happens.

Then reveal and say:

“There’s the puppy!” or “Peek-a-boo! I see YOU!”

The printable includes simple, familiar phrases and a clear hide-and-reveal sequence, making it easy to repeat the same playful routine again and again.

Extend the experience:

• Let your child help cover and uncover the picture

• Play peek-a-boo with your face or a toy

• Repeat the same phrases to build predictability

• Pause longer to give your child a chance to respond

Follow your child’s lead; every moment of anticipation and surprise is building communication.

Where This Shows Up in Ninewise Books

Ninewise books are designed to support early communication through interaction, repetition, and play. Books like Let’s Go, Puppy! and Let’s Go, Kitty! use predictable routines and simple prompts to encourage participation, helping children engage in back-and-forth exchanges similar to peek-a-boo.

Start Small, Build Communication

Communication begins long before first words. 

By playing simple games that include waiting, watching, and responding, you’re helping your child build the foundation for connection, interaction, and language. 

And sometimes, it all starts with a simple “peek-a-boo.”

References

1. Piaget, J. (1954). The Construction of Reality in the Child.

2. Carpenter, M., Nagell, K., & Tomasello, M. (1998).